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James Harden Opens Up About Facing the Philadelphia 76ers

James Harden was traded to the LA Clippers last fall, and this week, he played his first game in Philadelphia since the switch. So, what was it like being back…

James Harden opens up about facing the Philadelphia 76ers in some post-game comments.

(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

James Harden was traded to the LA Clippers last fall, and this week, he played his first game in Philadelphia since the switch. So, what was it like being back in Philly? James Harden opens up about facing the Philadelphia 76ers in some post-game comments.

James Harden Opens Up About the Booing

When Harden entered the court, he was booed by 76ers fans at the game. This wasn't a big surprise. Harden knew it would be a tough crowd.

"I expected it," Harden said in a post-game press conference. "I don’t really know what it's about, but I expected it. So, it is what it is. I don't know why they were booing."

Aside from the boos, Harden also saw a lot of fans at the game. Seeing those friendly faces reminded him of the impact he had as a player when he was with the 76ers.

"I think I did a lot. I also had a very impactful, positive impact on a lot of people while I was here, a year and a half," he said. "I'm grateful for those relationships. I'm grateful for the opportunity and things like that. Those things that I can cherish and move on with. Everything else doesn't matter."

The Clippers squeaked out a win against the 76ers on Wednesday, 108-107.

Harden Not Interested in Mending His Relationship with 76ers' Daryl Morey

After the game, Harden was also asked if he has kept in touch with 76ers gem and recent NBA MVP Joel Embiid since heading to the Clippers. His answer was simply, "No." Then, when asked if he could eventually make good with 76ers president Daryl Morey, he had a harsher response: "Hell no."

Harden asked for a trade from the 76ers in June 2023 and wanted to go to the Clippers. He grew upset that Morey took his time moving the player. While the trade finally happened, it wasn't until after the start of the regular season, which wasn't what Harden expected. Harden publicly called Morey a "liar" and said he's "never" going to be part of an organization with him again. It sounds like those feelings are still fresh and run deep.

Harden is currently averaging 17.1 points, 8.6 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. He's shooting 43.9/39.5/88.1 for the Clippers.

The Philadelphia 76ers' next game is Friday (March 29) at 7:30 p.m. on the road against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The LA Clippers' next game is Friday (March 29) at 7 p.m. in Florida against the Orlando Magic.

The NBA season is in full swing. The league recently came back to action after the 2024 All-Star break, and now, the season is about two-thirds over, and the end is in sight. But, there's still lots of season up ahead, and plenty of things could happen between now and the end of the season. So, as we had into the final stretch, what are some of the NBA teams to watch right now?

The teams on top are no stranger to high rankings. These teams have a long history of strong performances over the past few years. Hardly anyone would argue against the fact that the Boston Celtics are the strongest team in the league right now. They just keep winning, winning and winning. It's going to be hard to bring these guys down. Other extra strong teams include the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder. All three of those teams - the Celtics, Timberwolves and Thunder - have able to rack up 40 wins before 20 losses.

This is always an exciting time in the NBA. While plenty of the season is behind us, a lot could happen in the final one-third of the regular season. There are always surprises and upsets. I'm a Detroit Pistons fan, and while I'm not delusional enough to think that we're going to win it all this year, I believe in our team. I truly think the Pistons will surprise people in the last part of the season. Cade Cunningham has been playing very well lately. He's such a star. Moreover, the team just beat the Chicago Bulls on the road on Tuesday night (Feb. 27). That was following a near-win against the New York Knicks on Monday (Feb. 26), which the team lost largely due to a bad call. So, these guys might surprise you.

Let's get into five NBA teams to watch right now.

5. Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers are solid this year, but they aren't one of the best of the best. That said, there's lots of potential here. Watch these guys closely. It's so fun to watch Tyrese Maxey, who is a total superstar. He's been averaging an upwards of 28 points per game lately.

Cleveland Cavaliers v Philadelphia 76ers

(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

4. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves had a big loss to the Bucks following the break, but then, they came back and definitively beat the Nets. The Wolves have been experiencing a few offensive hiccups, but they're still one of the strongest teams in the league.

San Antonio Spurs v Minnesota Timberwolves

(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

3. Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder crew is on fire. Coming back from break, they totally blew out the Clippers, Wizards and Rockets. Chet Holmgren is a star here, averaging around 24 points a game.

Houston Rockets v Oklahoma City Thunder

(Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

2. Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets are another team that came out of break with fire. These guys have been on a winning streak since the break ended. Nikola Jokic has been especially strong since break, averaging around 27 points per game.

Denver Nuggets v Golden State Warriors

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

1. Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics are really the strongest team in the NBA right now. They're on a winning streak, which is nothing new for them. They have not one but a group of star players in Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Derrick White. It's hard to see any team topping them.

Boston Celtics v New York Knicks

(Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.